Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Surf Concours on April 08, 2018, 08:01:40 AM

Title: Stiff Steering
Post by: Surf Concours on April 08, 2018, 08:01:40 AM

Any reasons why steering may be “stiff”?

Title: Re: Stiff Steering
Post by: maxtog on April 08, 2018, 08:11:14 AM

Year, mileage....

Title: Re: Stiff Steering
Post by: VirginiaJim on April 08, 2018, 11:13:52 AM

Head bearings, adjustment, or both.  Cables dragging...

Title: Re: Stiff Steering
Post by: Daytona_Mike on April 08, 2018, 08:00:25 PM

i would get the front wheel off the ground and feel how the handle bars move with no weight on the front wheel. 

Title: Re: Stiff Steering
Post by: Jim M. on April 09, 2018, 10:44:22 AM

Low tire pressure.

Title: Re: Stiff Steering
Post by: just gone on April 09, 2018, 03:10:46 PM

Steering Stiff: Are we talking about in a parking lot slow speed maneuvering as though something is rubbing or binding?....... or are we talking about at speed headed for a corner and it taking more effort than you think it should to initiate the lean and hold it through the turn?

The former could be many things, the latter is most likely the front tire air pressure or tire quality.  The stock tires (BS 021) are noted for their reluctance to do what the rider wants them to do after 1500 miles or so.

More details and information would be helpful for us to answer you in a helpful manner. Surf C', you have a 2016 model correct? Supposedly they have the updated steering stem seal and should be easier to turn than earlier models, but I've always assumed that it would only be noticeable (if at all) at very slow speeds.